All rise for SHS mock trial victory. On Fri. Feb. 10, the varsity mock trial team headed to Batavia to take on the regional competition. The team not only advanced to the state competition but also became regional champions.

“When we didn’t hear our name called in third or second place, I thought we lost, but once they called Sycamore, I felt like a million bucks,” said, Umang Joshi, 12.

The trials took place in the Clermont County Municipal Courthouse. The idea is to imitate a real trial with statements and witness examinations from both sides. Each round was judged by members of the Clermont County Bar Association.

In the first round, SHS’ defense side, with seniors Joshua Patterson and Emma Traylor as attorneys and Joshi and junior Dylan Sleyo competed against a team from Chaminade Julienne, a Catholic high school in Dayton.

Traylor received an outstanding attorney award and Joshi received an outstanding award for their performances.

In the afternoon, the plaintiff side with attorneys senior Sarah Horne and junior Jenna Bao and witnesses senior Cali Colliver and junior Adam Meller competed against Mason.

From this round, Bao received an outstanding attorney award and Meller received outstanding witness.

“I felt great and proud of the team [when I found out]. It was all because we worked hard and have a talented team,” Meller said.

The team is rounded out by timekeeper Swati Baghieri and coach Mr. Andrew Oakes. Looking ahead, they will begin preparations for the state competition which will take place in Columbus on March 9-11.

“Mock trial [members] put in a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, and we’re constantly improving and practicing. That’s how we got better as a whole team, and it really is a team sport. There are individual aspects, but there has to be team coordination, like even color-coordinating our suits,” Joshi said.